BAFTA brings back docu award

Theatrical pix with U.K. release eligible

LONDON — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is returning the documentary category to its awards in 2012.

BAFTA had previously recognized theatrical docs between 1948 and 1990. Documentaries have been eligible in all relevant sections since then, but the BAFTA film committee has chosen to reintroduce the special award because of the number of high-quality docs released in the U.K. in recent years.

Films from all countries will be eligible as long as they have a theatrical release in Blighty.